Viola Strings, Viola String, Viola String Set | JustStrings.com Viola Strings Complete sets and a selection of individual viola strings are listed in the following sections: The viola is tuned a fifth lower than the violin.� Viola strings are tuned C, G, D, & A.�The lower tuning is why the viola has a larger body than that of the violin. Our viola string selection includes one of three tensions: light, medium and heavy, with medium being the standard. Many high quality bowed instrument strings come from Germany and Austria, and are labeled in German. The German equivalents to the English tension terms are: weich/light, mittel/medium and stark/heavy. Most players find that medium tension strings work well for their needs.�If you need strings that are easier to finger, and are willing to accept less volume, a light tension viola string set might be a good choice for you.�If instead, you are not concerned with ease of playability, and are mainly interested in getting the maximum possible projection and volume from your instrument, you may wish to try heavy tension strings. Viola strings are also available in several lengths.

Standard violas are "full" or 4/4 size, which is about 16 inches.�Student model viola strings are available for smaller violas in ½ and ¾ sizes. Violas are available in many more sizes than the violin. There are 11, 12, 13, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5 and 17 inch violas (measured as the length of the back of the body, not including the neck).�As such, many different sizes of viola strings are available to fit both student and extra long models. It is possible to buy a single viola string; we carry single strings from most manufacturers. Early viola strings were all made of gut.�Sometime in the 18th century, viola string makers started winding the C strings with metal wire to improve the tone. This was followed by a wound G string in the 19th century.

A modern viola string set has all four strings wound, which improves their tone and response as well as to cut down on string breakage.�Occasionally, players will opt for an unwound plain steel A, but gut is almost never used in modern applications. Quick Links Instruments in Depth - The Viola INSTRUMENTS IN DEPTH Flash is required for video playback The History of the Viola THE VIOLA by Kerrick Sasaki When thinking of string instruments, the viola often is forgotten amongst its smaller and larger cousins, yet its rich, dark timbre and interesting history make taking a closer look worthwhile. Did you know, for example, that Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven all played the viola? Or that famed instrument maker Stradivari also made violas that are worth more than his violins? In the popular realm, bands including Velvet Underground, The Who, Van Morrison, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Vampire Weekend have featured the viola prominently on various songs and albums. How to Read Alto Clef Alto clef may seem unusual, but it is just as easy to learn as the treble or bass clef. The middle line, pictured below, indicates middle C.

Once you know this, you can simply follow the lines up and down to find the other notes. INTRODUCTION TO THE VIOLA The viola is the middle voice of the string family, sitting comfortably between the violin and cello. More specifically the viola's range is a perfect fifth below the violin's, having the same A, D, and G strings as the violin with the addition of a C string (an octave below middle C). It has the same four strings as the cello (C, G, D, A), but is one octave higher. As the middle voice in a string section, the viola similar to the alto voice in a choir. In fact, the viola uses its very own clef, called the alto clef. Violas are held almost exactly the same way as violins: to one's left side, over the shoulder, and under the chin. In fact, the two instruments are so similar that many people have trouble telling them apart! This makes sense considering that they share the same playing position as well as three strings, but the viola's slightly larger size creates a unique sound. A full-sized violin has a body length of 14 inches whereas there is no official full size for a viola.

Violas found in orchestras generally range in size from 15 to 18 inches, with the most common size being 16.5 inches. While a couple of inches may not seem like a big deal, that extra size is the crucial element in the creation of the viola's unique sound, which is often described as being mellow and dark. A teacher of mine once described the viola's sound as being chocolaty! chocolaty sound that draws people to play the viola. Would you believe that the beautiful tone of the viola has often prevented it from achieving the same fame as the violin and cello? This makes sense if you think again about the vocal equivalents of each string instrument. The violin is the soprano voice of the strings and the cello is the tenor voice of the strings. It is very easy to hear sopranos and tenors in a choir and even basses for that matter, but what are the altos up to? Much like altos in a choir, the viola often fills in harmonies in an orchestra. Its dark and chocolaty sound blends the string sections together and gives body to the orchestra as a whole.

You may not notice them at first, but should you lose your alto voice/violas, your ensemble would sound hollow and deflated! Violas really are the (pardon the pun) the unsung heroes of the orchestra! The viola is hundreds of years old. In fact, some reports say that it is the oldest of the string family. The viola has been utilized as a harmonic (as opposed to melodic) instrument by composers for hundreds of years. This is the main reason that people are less familiar with it than the violin or cello. The viola has less solo music written for it than the violin and cello, and while it does have more solo music written for it than the string bass, the viola is still less recognized than the bass. Besides being visually hard to miss on stage, basses are regularly seen performing in various popular music groups such as jazz ensembles and pop/rock groups. This lack of star power has also contributed to something curious amongst violas and viola bows. Because of their role as harmonic instruments, violas were not made in as large numbers as the violin and cello.

Great old violas and bows are extremely rare and thus a viola made by Stradivarius or Guarnerius is worth many times more than a violin of the same condition. Fortunately, there are several viola makers today that specialize in producing great violas, making for many happy violists. Tuning of the viola (c, g, d, a) and its range 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola on The Session . Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola Unless you are going electric, there are going to be compromises with both. the top e on a viola 5 string will be thin and the c on the violin will not be strong enough. This is not just to do with the shape, but to get the bass, the bass bar will be bigger and top relatively thinner. Have you thought about getting an octave? I made a five string but it did not turn out too well, apart from the sound it was very difficult to play fast. I thinned the top and put a huge bass bar in and turned it into an octave. It has no difficulty getting heard over a dozen other fiddles, and has good sound over the entire range. . Re: 5-string violin vs.

5-string viola I play a five-string regularly and I would recommend going the viola route over the violin route. I currently use a heavy gauge A and E, and that helps with the thinness that did occur in my case. If you are looking for a deeper sound you might just consider stringing up a small viola with violin strings and skip having a fifth string. I think that part of the problem I have with thinner sounding higher strings is the added pressure of the C string. When I have taken my C string off and just play it as a four string, my sound totally changes. I really don’t need a five string in most Celtic settings but really need it in other settings. I would not recommend a five-string unless you have a specific need for the extra string because there are going to be sacrifices. And yes, it does sound deeper and darker than my four-string and I do like that a lot. Cheers . Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola If your main problem is that the 4-string violin is too bright and harsh sounding, you could try different strings before resorting to another instrument (if you haven’t tried that already).

A lot of fiddlers use steel strings, which are bright and a bit harsh sounding. Gut-core strings are much more warm and mellow, but are expensive and don’t last as long. Synthetic-core strings are something of a compromise between those two types. I use Pirastro Oliv (gut-core) strings myself, which are an odd choice for fiddling but have something like the sound you seem to want. They’re painfully expensive, though, and they don’t really have that "fiddle" sound…they also aren’t as responsive as steel strings. . Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola As Tlittlewazzock implied, a bigger base bar makes the sound louder, by spreading the vibrations over a larger part of the belly. A baroque fiddle, in its original setup had a comparatively short base bar and a corresponding lighter tone (helped along by other factors such as uncovered gut strings and a lower pitch). The base bar was lengthened (and other modifications made) over the next century or so to provide the bigger sound demanded by the increased size of orchestras of the 19th century through to the present day.

As Llig and Tlittlewazzock say, you’ll always be running into tonal problems if you try to make acoustic 5-string violins/violas. Similar effects have been observed when guitar luthiers have made Spanish (classical) guitars with more than 6 courses. 10-course guitars have been made, and one I heard, played by the great classical guitarist Narciso Yepes had a remarkably dull tonal quality, quite inappropriate, I thought, for a player of his eminence. Btw, I can assure you that Tlittlewazzock and What?!!? really do know about fiddles in great depth. Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola llig leahcim, the whole reason for ASKING what I am asking is to find out WHY, as you say, "they are completely different things" I would rather you EXPLAIN why they are different in real concrete terms rather than complain about me asking the question. I’m sure YOU know why (esp. since you seem to play both), but I don’t!! Lazyhound, thanks for the more thought out answer - THAT is what I’m trying to learn here.

I’ve never played a 5-string of either type (none to found close to home here), so I am trying to learn a bit about them before I range farther afield to look for them. I guess a weaker sounding bottom C wouldn’t bother me all that much if the G/D had a more resonant sound (like the recordings I mentioned) than a standard violin. What type of adjustments could be made to a standard violin that sounds too brite to darken the tone, other than strings? I have tried a couple of different steel sets, Thomastick Dominants, and Piastro Tonicas, none of which really did the job for me. . Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola I play 5 string fiddles most of the time - although I have 2 four string ones as well. The five strings have a much more woody sound and the slight extra depth of the instrument gives more resonance. The bottom C string can be tuned up to a D and used as a drone. The C string also makes the G string sound a lot better than on the 4 strings - I don’t do the physics side but when fiddles are in tune you get a sort of sympathetic ringing.

Only downside - besides the extra cost of re-stringing!! - is that I have to be more careful when jumping to the G string not to catch the C string. Although the spacing is slightly different, it only took me a couple of days before I could go from 5 string to 4 string without thinking!! I don’t want anything lower than the C string so I’ve never thought of getting a viola - besides which, I have very short fingers and the advantage of the 5 string is getting the extra depth with virtually no increase in instrument size. My acoustic 5 strings are Tim Phillips but I also have a Yamaha 5 string for band work. Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola bb, I LOVE the sound of a fiddle, which is why I play it. I just happen to not like the way mine is sounding of late — too shrill. I’m going to bring it to a luthier to see what can be done, but… Tarantella, thanks for the info. I have been looking at a 5 string from G. Edward Lutherie called the Dahlia 5 which, from the small sound sample I found on a site that carries the, sounds pretty balanced and dark sounding.

It keeps the standard string spacing of a 4 string on a wider neck, and a wider body than a standard 4 string. I would guess it makes the transition to the 5-string easier if the string spacing is the same. . Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola jlg, If it were me, I’d try to make the instrument I have work before I started buying others. That is, unless you are yet another of the many victims of Instrument Aquisition Syndrome. That said, going to a luthier is a good start. Explain to him/her just what you are seeking, maybe even play the recording you spoke of as an example. Granted, the instrument itself will determine just what sound it is capable of. A competent luthier can pull a wide range of tonal qualities from an instrument just by adjusting the sound post, for example. According to the luthier I use, often different weight strings require different sound post adjustments. There may be a new bridge in your future. Also, Dr. Thomastik markets strings under the Infeld label. A violin teacher told me about them. They come in two flavors, red and blue.

The reds give a deeper, meatier tone (the teacher’s words), where the blues give a brighter sound. I have been happy with the reds for a couple of years now, but that’s my instrument, my ears. One can also mix ‘n match strings to obtain something closer to the sound you seek. Kevin Burke told us that’s how he does it in a workshop he led a couple of years ago. Does one require the skill and experience of a Kevin Burke to do this? I dunno, but it does seem an expensive proposition, trying all those different strings. Not like you can return the ones you don’t like. Good luck . Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola I am a violin maker who is specializing in 5 string violins. The 5th string obviously gives the player the ability to play licks not possible with either a violin or a viola. Most violin players really miss the sparkle of the "E" string when they go to the viola for Celtic, Jazz or bluegrass type music. I have approached it from a different perspective. I have a purpose built 5 string and not a 4 string with a 5th string jammed into it.

I started with a "dark" violin as a pattern…the del Gesu "Cannone" and slightly increased the size to create a larger air resonance chamber for the "C" string to work and have power. The "E" string still has sparkle without being harsh. The instrument is still a size that even a small handed lady can easily and comfortably play unlike a viola which can sometimes be too large. . Re: 5-string violin vs. 5-string viola I think Stradibarrius above has very sound reasoning in making ‘a purpose built 5 string’. Sure, regular 4 string fiddles and violas are quite different from each other, as mentioned earlier. However, my experience is that a decent 5 string is something else, discernably different from either of those, not just ‘a fiddle with a C string’ or ‘a viola with an E’ .

I currently have a 5 string cello (sorry, the maker calls it a ‘baroque alto’), copied from an Amati cello built as a 5 string in something like 1580, and a 5 string 15.5" viola of the Chinese persuasion, again built as a 5 string. A good 5 string fiddle is unlikely to sound like a violin from the E down to the G and like a viola on the C. 5 string violins I’ve played with regular size bodies (half a dozen) may sound like violins G to E, but to my ear they just didn’t cut it on the C string. The standard fiddle body isn’t big enough to resonate that note properly and standard violin top thicknessing, bass bar, etc., isn’t designed for it. Violin scale length instruments with larger air chambers (ie the body) can be very successful, though, as Stradibarrius suggests above. Those I’ve played have sounded darker than a regular violin, but consistent over all 5 strings. I’m going that route soon as my 5 string viola is starting to make my back ache.

My 5 string cello has a smaller than usual body and scale length - to allow the high E string to resonate better. This one blows out of the water any theory that God made fiddles as 4 string, as the cello developed from the viol family, which I believe most commonly had 6 strings, sometimes 7 or more. At the time my cello was made, you could buy them with 3, 4 , or 5 strings, and in different body sizes depending on what you were going to use them for. My 5 string viola isn’t as dark or nasal as a good viola can be, but it’s close enough to be recognisably a viola. The E is softer in tone than a violin E, but I have yet to experiment with a high tension E string. E strings can be a problem on big violas - I’m told they break too often over about 16" body length. So if you buy a 5 string, you won’t sound like everyone else (unless you get one with a standard violin body and a duff C string). You will have to be of a mind to experiment with strings, though, and accommodate a few tuning differences.

Most 5 strings don’t ‘ring’ on 5ths in the way 4 strings do, so they can be more difficult to get in tune. Once in tune, they don’t play like a 4 string either - some are more difficult to voice chords on. The middle string is about equidistant from each bridge foot, so you can have problems matching that string to the others - my cello needs a wolf note suppressor on it. The internals of fiddles have been optimised for 4 string tension, pitch, and resonance over the years, so 5 string makers often adjust things to suit 5 strings - I think that’s why converted 4 stringers often sound disappointing. Now, here’s the big difference - string spacing. Most people who make 5 strings (and most of them in terms of quantity are probably Chinese via Ebay) either use a standard neck width or a slightly wider neck. Don’t buy one of those unless you’ve played a 5 string like that and like it. The string spacing will be far too close to double stop properly, and chances are you’ll have trouble bowing without hitting other strings.

You need a really wide fingerboard on a 5 string, unless you never play 2 notes together other than 5ths. Unless you’re used to 5 strings, If it feels comfortable the first time you pick up a 5 string, it’s too narrow! If you want to get an idea what a 5 string fingerboard should look like, google Tim Phillips’ fiddle website (no, I don’t have any connection, or own one of his instruments). He makes lots of 5 strings for folk players, so he knows what they need. Finally, once you get a 5 string you’ll find yourself wandering off into all kinds of musical avenues. With a 5 string fiddle or viola, you have enough bass to provide reasonable accompaniment to another fiddler. You’ll find you can pick which octave you want to play some fiddle tunes in, and swap between them. There’s also more available for double stopping and droning. With a high E tuned 5 string cello you can play many fiddle tunes with the fiddles without going any distance up the neck, which sounds cool (and sometimes hacks them off the egotists among the fiddlers…).

So, 5 stringers aren’t for everybody and they can be a hassle, but also they’re a lot of fun and they open new avenues. I’d suggest they’re more suited to determined individualists, so if you’d rather be with the crowd you might prefer not to have the hassle. My next ambition is a 6 string Steinberger electric cello - that has double bass at one end and fiddle tunes at the other. Rab (or Max, if anyone here knows me - from S.M.O?) The Viola - Get-Tuned.com C3-E6 for advanced players (requires advanced position changing.) Musicians: Emanuel Vardi Lionel Tertis, William Primrose, Paul Hindemith Alessandro Rolla. The viola is the primary member of the viola family. It has four strings tuned in perfect fifths, and is played rested on the shoulder while using a bow. Music for the viola is written using the treble clef. The viola was first developed by instrument makers in Northern Italy who drew upon earlier Middle Eastern bowed instruments as inspiration. The viola is a versatile melodious instrument, which is also easy to transport due to its small size.

As such, the viola is used in many genres of music including classical, country and bluegrass, Hungarian and gypsy, Celtic, pop and jazz. The viola is not very different to the violin, essentially having only one string that is different. Where the violin is tuned GDAE and has a higher range, the viola is tuned CGDA and has a slightly lower range. The range of the violin is seen as being more compatible to bright, brilliant melodies, whereas its sister the viola, tends to play a counter melody - often a third or a fifth underneath the violins melody. However, there are some notable differences in playing technique. As the viola is bigger than the violin, the finger positions are spread further apart, requiring the viola player to have greater technical skill than the violin player when playing the same passage. The viola is often heavier than the violin, and the bow is harder to handle as it is also weightier than the violin bow. The C string is much thicker than any violin string, and so takes more effort to push down to play a note. While acknowledging these differences, the viola and violin are still alike enough to be relatively easily interchangeable for players of either instrument.

Read the full article: History of the Viola The viola was developed alongside the other members of the violin family in Northern Italy in the mid-16th Century. While the violin was praised for its perfect resonant form, the viola had significant geometric problems. The viola would be too long to be held on the arm if its perfect dimensions were to be honoured. Because of this problem the viola went through many different changes relative to its treble counterpart. The viola was largely overlooked in its early life due to the popularity of the violin. However, the viola became more popular and earned more respect in the 18th Century when technical changes caused the string tension to be increased, improving the timbre of the instrument. Violas can now be mass-produced; however professional luthiers still hand-craft viola models to various different specifications. For more information on the history of the viola, see our History of the Viola article. Read the full article: Types of Violas The viola has had an extensive history which so far has spanned over 450 years. Over this 450-year history the viola has also had many different changes in form due to its imperfect resonance.

The viola has various different forms from specific time periods, and smaller sizes for children. Modern violas can produce sound electronically or acoustically, and sometimes the range of the viola is extended to include the higher E-string, which effectively combines the ranges of both the viola and the violin. For more information on different types of viola, see our Types of Violas article. Read the full article: Parts of the Viola To learn more about the different parts of the viola, see our Parts of the Viola article. Read the full article: How to Tune the Viola The viola has four strings which are tuned in fifths. From lowest to highest, the scientific pitch of the strings is: C3, G3, D4, and A4. Standard Viola Tuning - A4(Hz): 440 String Online Viola Tuner - Tune a viola using the standard CGDA tuning. Online Instrument Tuner - Tune a viola by using the microphone on your computer. For more information on how to tune the viola, see our How to Tune the Viola article. This article contains information on how best to tune your viola, and tips to make tuning your viola easy!

Read the full article: How to String a Viola Viola strings can sometimes snap when tuning. They can also start to unwind, which causes a 'fuzzy' or 'buzzing' sound when you play. If you have an old viola that has not been played for a while, the strings may lose their flexibility and quality of tone. If you have strings that have been regularly played, then the strings can become dirty from the natural oils secreted by the fingers and from rosin, which can build up a sticky layer on the surface of the string between the bridge and the fingerboard. Looking after your viola strings and restringing when strings start to wear is important as strings have such a significant influence on the quality of the sound produced by your instrument. To learn how to restring a viola, see our How to String a Viola article. Read the full article: How to Play the Viola The viola is held under the chin while bowed or occasionally plucked. Orchestral and chamber violists sit while playing, taking care to keep their backs straight so to avoid shoulder and back strain. Soloist violists usually stand while playing.

Violists read music written on the alto clef, and occasionally on the treble clef if they are playing mainly in the upper register of the viola. Advanced players have a playing range on the viola of four octaves. To learn more about how to play the viola, see our How to Play the Viola article. Viola Strings | SHAR Music - sharmusic.com SHARMUSIC.COM Adding item to your shopping cart... Removing item from your shopping cart... Items Subtotal (0 Items) $0.00 Subtotal does not include coupons, discounts, shipping or taxes. Mark O'Connor Violin Method Book V The newest volume now available in this popular series. Suzuki Cello School Method Book and Cd, Volume 1 Now available! Suzuki Violin School Method Book and CD, Volume 1 A SHAR Best Seller! Klaus Becker Brazilwood Violin Bow German high quality brazilwood bow at an unbeatable price! PRESTO impulse Carbon Fiber Violin Bow "...I was amazed at the response, clarity and tone it produces..." - AndrÃ©s CÃ¡rdenes Deluxe Carry-All Backpack Case Covers by Cushy Add protection, comfort, and storage to your case.

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The tonal complexity and powerful projection of the Brilliant strings combines to create a rich, full sound. These strings have a quick break-in period and very responsive playability. Shop this brand Chorda (Pirastro) Pure gut strings designed for use with Baroque and Renaissance instruments. These very low tension strings are designed for 440 Hz tuning. Soft, warm sound. Shop this brand Prim Made in Sweden, these steel core strings offer a bright, powerful sound. Popular with fiddlers, bluegrass & folk players, as well as students of all levels. Long-lasting and durable. Shop this brand Eudoxa-Aricore (Pirastro) These polyester core strings offer a dark timbre and warm sound. Available only in three gauges in steps of 1/4, the Pirastro Aricore strings tune quickly and are durable in different climate conditions. Shop this brand Overture Ultra Here is the perfect string for the working pro or active student. The strong Synthelon core produces a warm, complex and powerful sound, similar to gut strings. However, a fast break-in period and stability in varying climatic conditions gives these strings a decided advantage over gut strings.

What's more, you won't break the bank replacing them, since SHAR sells them at a very reasonable price. Shop this brand Charm Charm Strings offer the rich and nuanced sound of a gut string, but with the playing comfort and tuning stability of a synthetic string! The light and colorful, nuanced response is available for all instruments and in both full sizes and fractional sizes under the "Charm KIDS" label. Shop this brand Opal Green Opal Green Viola Strings are handmade strings with a synthetic core. The option for a kevlar core in the A and D strings avoids any noticeable change of tone between the first and the second string, while a steel and nylon A and D offers a more traditional feel. The Opal Green strings offer a clear, warm, powerful and very uniform sound, without excessive tension. Its sound has a bright spectrum of overtones, similar to gut strings. Shop this brand Capriccio (Dogal) Capriccio strings are for the fine instrument of the technically demanding virtuoso. These new strings are made exclusively by hand at the Dogal factory in Venice.

Masterfully wound strings featuring a new concept "Synthetic Gut" core offers the professional player a string which is absolutely impervious to damp or other difficult climatic conditions. These strings allow the player to easily attain a warm, intense and powerful 'Italian' sound. For violin and viola. REVIEWED BY: Teacher, NICHOLAS LAHAM reviewed on: 01/02/2017 Impressive sounds from Peter Infeld Hello! I just wanted to share my review of the Peter Infeld Viola Strings, since I couldn't find very many and I know other violists want to know what these strings sound like without breaking the bank to try them. Just as a disclaimer, my opinions are based on what the set sounds like on MY viola, not anyone else's. Of course there are always other factors involved like climate, but here are my thoughts so far: The PI set, although overpriced in some respects, is definitely a set worth experimenting with! Overall, PI strings are powerful and project well in addition to having sweeter qualities, specifically on the D&A strings.

For those who have used Pirastro strings their whole life, like me, the PI strings remind me of a darker version of Evah Golds. My favorite string in the PI set is the D string; I've been very intrigued by the materials it is wound with and, because of the chrome/silver combo, the D string provides a smooth transition of tone and color from the lower strings to the A string. It is sweet, colorful, yet strong! My second favorite string is the A string; it is very hard for me to discern this string from an Evah Gold A, but the PI A string is a tad bit darker and still retains the projection and strength to carry the sound in the space. (My favorite A strings in order are: Peter Infeld A, Evah Gold A, Larsen A. All are amazing!) The PI G string matches very well with the rest of the set; the price is a little high for a single string, but it sounds great nonetheless. I think that I can get the same sounding G string with other Pirastro brands (Evah P, Evah Gold, Obligato) for slightly cheaper.

My least favorite string is the C string--like the G string, it matches well with the rest of the set and sounds good! However, I can save money by using a different C string from either Evah P, Evah Gold, or Obligato. The PI C string isn't wound with Tungsten, while the other Pirastro brands mentioned are. The PI C string is very similar to the Spiro Tungsten C, in my opinion and projects as clear as a laser, but doesn't have any roundness. too long;didn't read: Try Peter Infeld Viola strings, even though they'll cost an arm and a leg. $95.99 reviewed on: 12/08/2016 Dominants are NOT prone to breaking I am writing this review in response to other reviews. I've used Thomastik Dominants, mostly bought via Shar, for 36 years. I'm a professional violist and educator and I've never had a problem with Dominants or with Shar. Those people who are having repeated issues likely have an issue with their instrument having a sharp edge somewhere where they shouldn't.

Some types of fine tuners have you loop the string over a sharp edge - this can cause breakage. Sometimes your string has dug into the bridge (the pressure of the strings over time can cause this) and it can cause a sharp edge there that causes breakage. I've seen many a poorly made nut (at the top of the fingerboard) that is sharp and causes breakage. This will happen more often with cheap instruments made with poor materials and workmanship. I don't use Dominants exclusively, but they are the string I've used most often in my career because they are reliable and long lasting. I strongly feel you can trust them. If you are having strings break repeatedly, see a reputable luthier (someone who specializes in string instruments only; not a store that sells every instrument under the sun) and my guess is they will be able to show you exactly why your string keeps breaking. $95.99 reviewed on: 11/29/2016 Viola A String is defective In the past 3 months I have replaced four A strings on my viola. Of these, only one was eligible for replacement because I had purchased it within 30 days.

These strings are breaking at the ball end (the fine tuner is not the problem, I have had it inspected), and the most recent break occurred during a concert. I love the sound of Dominants on my viola, but it's like playing a time bomb waiting for the A to break. I've switched to Jarger A (medium) which settled in to pitch quickly and is very responsive. From the reviews, it appears that I am not the only one who has had this problem and that the A strings are defective. Unfortunately, the warranty can't be applied to 3 of the strings because I've had them longer than 30 days. $95.99 REVIEWED BY: Parent, ISABELLE JONES reviewed on: 10/25/2016 Broken string I am disappointed in quality of your strings Thomastik Infeld Dominant Viola String Set - Full Size - Medium Gauge. I ordered two sets at 95.99 plus tax for each. I had set put on my sons viola about 3 weeks later and about 2 weeks later a string broke. Fortunately, it didn't break during his audition. He had to replace the string with the spare string.

According to your return policy we are not eligible for a return. I hope that the second strings last longer. How can we insure we are not receiving old strings? $127.94 reviewed on: 06/19/2015 Nice Strings I put these strings on my 14 1/2 " viola, the tension is a little less than it should be because of my viola's size. The sound,feel and playability are very nice. Quick response between soft and loud, pleasant sound and a nice feel. The D and G strings took a couple of days to loosen up and the G still doesn't quite ring out, or have as big of a sound as the other strings even now. I love the C!!! and the A and D are beautiful also. Nice strings for this price range! Louder than the Pro-Arte's and not so bright as the Helicore. $39.97 How to Play Viola: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Community Q&A The viola is a wonderful, beautiful instrument, and being able to play can benefit you in several ways.

It is a sign of intelligence in music to be able to play the viola, and because of that, viola players are some of the most sought-after musicians for symphonies, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and even recording studios. Many colleges and universities love musicians coming to their schools and they might give you scholarship money to play in their orchestra, even if you're not a music major. If you follow this article and take some time to learn the viola, you will enjoy it for years to come. Steps 1 Take lessons or classes. Some elementary schools have orchestra programs, most starting in the fifth grade. Most Junior High Schools, High Schools, and Colleges and Universities have Orchestra programs, but if your school does not have an orchestra program, you are no longer a student, or you are not in a grade that offers an orchestra program yet, you can probably get lessons. Look in your local phone books and online for lessons in your area. You may also want to purchase a beginner's music book.

2 --------------------------------------- D String --------------------------------------- A String In other words, the thickest, lowest string on the left is the C String, the next string is the G String, the next String is the D String, and the last, skinniest, highest string is the A String - the D String is probably the most commonly used string. 7 Learn about fingering. If you take classes, you may need to ask your teacher to help you label your finger positions with tape or stickers. If you don't take classes, then buy an electric tuner. Play with your bow (on the D String), your first finger, just a little bit away from the nut of the instrument, until the tuner says it sound like an E, then move on to an F - put your second finger about an inch away from your in-tune first finger and play until the tuner says it sounds like an F. Then put your third finger down next to your in-tune second finger and play until the tuner says it sounds like a G. Put stickers in the three in-tune spots. The first, second, and third fingers are in the same positions as the D String fingers are, just on a different string.

These are the fingering positions for the viola: {anything in all caps is most commonly played by a beginner and the notes in parenthesis are another name for a note.) A String: 1st Finger (right by nut) - B Flat (A Sharp) 1ST FINGER (IN-TUNE) - B NATURAL (C Flat) 2nd Finger (right by B NATURAL) - C Natural 2ND FINGER (IN-TUNE) - C SHARP (D Flat) 3RD FINGER (a half step up - about half an inch to 3/4 inch up from C Sharp) - D NATURAL 3rd Finger (A half step up- about half an inch to 3/4 inch up from D Natural) - D Sharp (E Flat) D String: 1st Finger (right by nut) - E Flat (D Sharp) 1ST FINGER (IN-TUNE) - E NATURAL (F Flat) 2nd Finger (right by E NATURAL) - F Natural (E Sharp) 2ND FINGER (IN-TUNE) - F SHARP (G Flat) 3RD FINGER (RIGHT NEXT TO F SHARP) - G NATURAL

 3rd Finger (a half step up - about half an inch to 3/4 inch up from G NATURAL) - G Sharp G String: 1st Finger (right by nut) - A Flat (G Sharp) 1ST FINGER (IN-TUNE) - A NATURAL 2nd Finger (right by E Natural) - B Flat (A Sharp) 2ND FINGER (IN-TUNE) - B NATURAL (C Flat) 3RD FINGER (RIGHT NEXT TO B NATURAL) - C NATURAL 3rd Finger (a half step up - about half an inch to 3/4 inch up from C NATURAL) - C Sharp (D Flat) C String: 1st Finger (right by nut) - D Flat (C Sharp) 1ST FINGER (IN-TUNE) - D NATURAL 2nd Finger (right by D NATURAL) - E Flat (D Sharp) 2ND FINGER (IN-TUNE) - E NATURAL (F Flat) 3RD FINGER (RIGHT NEXT TO E NATURAL) - F NATURAL (E Sharp) 3rd Finger (a half step up - about half an inch to 3/4

 inch up from F NATURAL) - F Sharp (G Flat) remember there is no midway for 2 fingers on C, G, D, and A.

also remember that four fingers on the C string is a G and four fingers on the G string is a D. Four on D is A and four on A is an E. 8 Learn vibrato. It's a matter of personal preference, but most violists tend to do arm vibrato. Arm vibrato produces a slower, richer type of vibrato used in Largo-Andante tempos. This prevents you from looking like "that maniac" trying to frantically vibrate the string while playing at 50 beats a minute. 9 Learn to tune your instrument yourself. Some people feel like they'll never be able to, but its an inevitability. At the very least you should recognize and A and be able to tune in 5ths. Be careful. Turning too tight due to a hard to turn peg can easily cause strings to snap and break. Using pencil lead to draw on the tuning pegs can help loosen them up. However get the lead only on the tuning peg(s) needing to be loosened. If the tuning pegs are not staying in consider buying some peg compound to help it stick.

A lubricant like WD40 can be used on the fine tuners, but do not get any water on the body of your viola. Community Q&A My daughter is learning to play the viola. How do I teach her to read the notes? wikiHow Contributor On a music staff, the very bottom line is the F on the C string, the line above that is the A on the G string, the third line is the C on the G string, the fourth line is the E on the D string, and the top line is the G on the D string. Remember that when your daughter is reading music, there should never be a treble clef on it; treble clef is for violins. What is the F note on a viola? wikiHow Contributor 2 fingers on D string. Put your fingers close together to make a flat F, then spread them apart to do a F sharp. I've been playing violin for 7 years, are viola fingerings a similar to violin? wikiHow Contributor Yes. The G, D, and A string fingerlings on a viola are all the same as a violin.

The C string (thickest), however, is different (because there is not C string on a violin). On the low 1 (index finger, between 1 and the nut) fingering spot is C sharp/D flat. 1 (index finger, between low 1 and low 2) is D natural. Low 2 (middle finger, between 1 and 2) is D sharp/E flat. 2 (middle finger, between low 2 and 3) is E natural. 3 (ring finger, between 2 and high 2/low 4) is F natural. High 3/Low 4 (ring finger or pinkie/little finger can be used, it's just preference, between 3 and 4) is F sharp/G flat. 4 (pinkie/little finger) is always the next open string (in this case): G natural. How do I do vibrato? wikiHow Contributor To do vibrato, put the finger you will be using on the fingerboard. Then gently wiggle your arm so the finger moves just a little back and forth. Try to speed up the wiggling over time and do it on all fingers. How do I mute a viola?

wikiHow Contributor You can buy a mute piece online or from your local music and put it on your bridge area. It slightly mutes the sound. How do you play an E? wikiHow Contributor There is no open E on a viola. However, the simplest one is 1 finger on the D string. If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know. Tips Clean your instrument at least once a week, preferably after every time you play. The rosin dries on the strings and the instrument, becomes sticky, and affect the sound if too much is built up. Violists who switch over from violin are used to the smaller size and close fingerings, however true violists (those who originally learned viola) use larger viola (generally at least size 16). Be weary of going too large though, a size 17 is quite a bit larger (generally used by players who themselves happen to be a bit larger). The viola is larger than the violin and therefor requires more effort to produce the strong rich tone the viola is known for. Always press down on the strings and use bow positioning to adjust dynamics instead.

Violinist and violist play differently: on the violin you need to keep your fingers tall, or straight up and down, however, on the viola you want you fingers more at an angle towards you so that you're playing on the side of your fingers that are closer to your thumb. Violas do not always use the treble clef, which is the most common. They use the alto clef. If you intend to carry on with the viola though, it's a good idea to learn treble clef as violas switch clefs as you will sometimes switch into treble while using higher positions. It's very important to have a relaxed left hand, thumb, and fingers. If your fingers cannot stretch from Bb to E natural on the A string, your instrument may be TOO large.. on violin and smaller violas (15.5 and smaller) you can bend your with bending (although it's not recommended) however, on larger violas bending your left wrist can cause injuries (such as carpal tunnel) and just be painful to play. Please keep in mind that injuries involved with playing the viola or violin will not happen right away. So, if something hurts stop and tell your teacher.

Prevention is the best way for you to avoid injuries. Never hold your wrist straight! Make sure you have just the right amount of rosin on your bow-it's different for every player. Remember: it's better to have too much rosin than too little. You can still take violin lessons and play viola in orchestra. Many violists were switched over from violin. It might be easier to start with violin then switch over to viola, however, if you do switch over to viola be sure to get a teacher that play viola or else you'll play like a violinist and injure your wrist. Violinists switch to viola because their teacher made them, a violist was needed, their hands are too big for violin, or just because they felt like it. Even if you are a violinist, it is a good idea to know how to play viola and vice versa. Warnings People will mistake your viola for a violin. Politely correct them. When telling non-musical people what instrument you play, be prepared to explain what a viola is. People will mispronounce viola. Politely correct them. The sound of the viola can be very loud and people may complain when you practice.

A mute can help in this situation. A common misconception is that violists are less skilled than violinists. This is not true, in fact, while they are equally technically skilled, violists tend to be more harmonically able than violinists. When playing with youth orchestras, be prepared to be in a small section (or maybe even the only violist!) Musicians like to tell viola jokes . Don't get discouraged by those jokes! Things You'll Need

Question: How many strings are there on a Viola?
Answer: FOUR